Student Interview

Danielle Deeke
2-11-09
Most children go to annual school eye appointments to determine if they need glasses; however, for Katie Lundy, a 19- year- old student at Southern Illinois University, the diagnosis is far more serious then bad eye sight. Lundy was diagnosed with a growing brain tumor at the age of 11 on her birthday.

Lundy has struggled for nine years to conquer her non-cancerous, but chronic disease. Lundy underwent surgery in October of 2000 only to find out the doctors were unable to remove the tumor without causing permanent blindness or death. Since the surgery, Lundy has endured seven different kinds of chemotherapy to help shrink the tumor, and one round of radiation. The chemotherapy can last anywhere from 30 days to months. Unfortunately for Lundy, the chemotherapy has unbearable side effects that has caused her to quit some of the treatments earlier then anticipated. “I had to quite in November because my legs went numb and I couldn’t walk. I got rashes and have a hard time seeing,” Lundy said. These are just a few of the painful side effects, not caused by the tumor, but by the chemotherapy. Now, Lundy said, the tumor is stable and not growing in size. Since the tumor is a chronic disease, it can shrink and grow for the rest of her life. Lundy’s condition could change in the next few months which indicate more chemotherapy, and more side effects. Lundy has stayed positive through her battle, and has made great accomplishments in helping other children in hospitals.

“I am hopeful and nervous,” Lundy said. “I know I can’t die from the tumor but I could go blind in my left eye. And I’m scarred of when I’ll need more medicine, and if the doctors will run out of options.” Even though Lundy is fearful for her future, she has made hospital stay much more enjoyable for children with similar illnesses. Since Lundy was diagnosed with the tumor, she has raised $100,000 for the two children hospitals in St. Louis. Lundy raised the money through seven annual golf tournaments. “Each tournament varies in the amount of money we raise, but in the last golf tournament we raised $23,000,” Lundy said. The money raised contributes to making the patients’ stay more enjoyable. Missing puzzle pieces are replaced, new play station, and new TV sets are installed in the hospitals with the fundraising money. Lundy frequently visits her hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, for treatment and to visit her “second family”, her nurses and doctor. Since Lundy’s diagnosis nine years ago, she has seen a change in the hospitals, and can tell it is more enjoyable for the patients who have to be away from home.

Lundy has without a question changed her severe diagnosis into a positive outcome for many children like her. Lundy plans to continue the golf tournament fundraising, and help children feel more comfortable in the hospitals. Lundy also continues to be optimistic and hopeful with living with this chronic illness.

Topic for Article

The idea I have chosen for the article is the event called Battle of the Bands that takes place Friday, January 30th at 6:00. The event reaches out to SIUE students along with interested people of the community, and takes place at the UC. Battle of the Bands has nine bands performing and competing for grand prizes including $700, $300, and $150 for the top three performances. The event is free to everyone, and it also includes free food and prizes for SIUE students who attend the battle. These prizes include t-shirts, concert tickets, a video i-pod, and a Nintendo Wii.

I chose Battle of the Bands for my topic for various reasons. One is proximity: the battle is on campus; most students or others in the community could walk or take a 15 minute drive to the concert. Some students may even come right after class on Friday. Two is prominence: the nine bands in the battle are not exactly famous but some students may have heard about them before, and it is always interesting to see up coming bands and different music styles. Three is conflict: the nine bands are battling for a grand prize, so a sense of competition will be demonstrated in the battle. The battle also has a number of qualities that reach out to students and others planning on attending the event. It is free to everyone, and there is free food. Also prizes are given away to those who show up at the event. Free music, free food, and prizes. Who wouldn't want to go!

I plan on interviewing the Concert Chair of Activities Board who has been planning the battle since September. Her name is Jessica Shuette, and she has more knowledge about the event then anyone since she is the one who set it up. I also plan on interviewing a student planning on going to the concert to see why the concert was appealing to students and what convinced the student to attend. I would also like to interview one of the bands, or a member of a band to understand why this event is a good way to get their music to the public.